Sports equipment handle

ABSTRACT

A variable hand placement sports equipment handle, such as a lacrosse stick handle, hockey stick handle, or field hockey stick handle, that includes a shaft and at least one overlay attached to the shaft at a location of frequent hand placement. The overlays are specially located and structured to provide the shaft with structural and tactile features that correspond to and accommodate the way in which a player moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft. The structural and tactile features, such as ribs, grooves, and hourglass and conical shapes, are located on the shaft to enhance a player&#39;s control of the shaft when performing various skills.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to sports equipment, andmore particularly, to the handles, hand grips, and shafts of sportsequipment.

[0003] 2.Background of the Invention

[0004] Several types of sports equipment incorporate a handle by whichplayers hold and control the equipment. Familiar examples of sportsequipment with handles include tennis racquets, golf clubs, baseballbats, hockey sticks, and lacrosse sticks. Among these different types ofsports equipment, the handles generally fall under two categories,characterized by the extent to which a player must change handplacement. The first type of handle accommodates a limited number ofhand placements and usually involves a sport in which a player placeshis hands in the same general location each time the equipment is used,as is the case with tennis and golf. In addition, the player usually hasample time to place his hands in preparation for using the sportsequipment, especially for sports such as softball and golf. Typically,this first type of handle consists of a shaft fitted with a grip locatedaway from the operational portion of the sports equipment, such as ontennis racquets, softball bats, and golf clubs. This first type ofhandle is referred to herein as a fixed hand placement handle.

[0005] The second type of handle, referred to herein as a variable handplacement handle, accommodates multiple combinations of hand placement,generally positioned over a larger area. A player using a variable handplacement handle constantly moves his hands along the handle in multiplepositions. Examples of these variable hand placement handles includefield hockey sticks, ice hockey sticks, and lacrosse sticks.

[0006] Typically, manufacturers design variable hand placement handlesas a shaft without a grip. Providing a shaft without a grip makesmanufacture easier and simplifies compliance with the rules governingsports equipment design. In addition, manufacturers are hesitant to adda specially located grip on the shaft of a variable hand placementhandle because, although the grip may enhance control of the stick inexecuting some skills, the grip may actually hinder control in executingother skills that involve sliding or quick movement of hands alongportions of the handle.

[0007] Nevertheless, some variable hand placement handles include a gripalong a length of a shaft. For instance, some field hockey sticksinclude a grip extending half-way down the shaft, covering the area onwhich a player grips the stick with multiple hand combinations. Althoughthe grips may provide a more tacky surface than the shaft material, thegrips typically are basic leather or synthetic straps wrapped around theshaft, without regard to the ways in which a player's hands cooperatewith the shaft. In addition, because of the manner by which they areattached (e.g., using ordinary adhesives), the grips do not move inunison with the shaft.

[0008] The present invention and the following discussion is directed tothis second type of sports equipment handle, i.e., the variable handplacement handle.

[0009] In executing game skills, players must be able to grip andcontrol the sports equipment. In some sports, such as hockey andlacrosse, this control is referred to as “stick handling.” Effectivestick handling requires a player to constantly reposition his handsalong the sports equipment handle to move the operational portion of thesports equipment. The “operational portion,” e.g., the head of alacrosse stick or the blade of a hockey stick, refers to the part orparts of the sports equipment that is/are controlled by the handle. Asused herein, “stick” refers to the sports equipment as a whole,including the operational portion. “Handle” refers to the part of thesports equipment on which a player's hand(s) is/are placed, which doesnot include the operational portion. The handle is comprised of a shaftand possibly provisions to improve a player's grip. A “shaft” istherefore a component of the handle.

[0010] For effective stick handling, each hand placement enables theplayer to impart force and torque on the sports equipment to effect adesired motion, e.g., throwing or striking a ball. In addition, incompetitive situations, the player must quickly change hand placementsand grips to react to and outplay his opponent. Thus, between theexecution of consecutive skills, a player must release or slide one ofhis hands, move it to a new position, and re-grip the handle with astrong hold.

[0011] With reference to the variable hand placement handles, an exampleof this constant hand repositioning is a lacrosse player who scoops aground ball, cradles the ball while running, and then throws the ball.In chasing the ground ball, the player typically grabs the lacrossestick handle at or near its end with one hand (referred to herein as the“lower hand”) and at or near its midpoint with the other hand (referredto herein as the “upper hand”), and extends the lacrosse stick out infront while running or bending down toward the ground. Once the ball isscooped up and in the pocket of the lacrosse stick head, the playerpulls the lacrosse stick toward his body and simultaneously repositionsone or both hands, often grabbing the handle with the upper hand justunder the throat portion of the lacrosse stick head. While running andcradling the ball, the player may release the lower hand from the bottomof the handle and cradle the stick with the upper hand near the throatportion. Then, when preparing to throw, the player re-grips the bottomend of the handle and cocks the stick back with both hands. Incompleting the throwing motion, as the player moves his upper handforward and lower hand back, the upper hand on the throat area slidesdown the shaft toward the lower hand. Throughout the throwing andfollow-through motions, the lower hand tightly grips the shaft near itsend to maintain control and accuracy. Thus, in the course of executingthree consecutive game skills, the player quickly repositions his handsmultiple times.

[0012] The ability to quickly reposition hand placement without losingcontrol of the handle requires a player to make subtle adjustments inhand gripping force. A strong gripping force is required to hold andcock the stick, especially for the lower hand. An intermediate grippingforce is required to slide a hand along the shaft without releasing thehandle entirely. Such rapid grip adjustments are sometimes difficult toexecute on conventional variable hand placement handles, which tend tohave largely uniform surfaces that do not cooperate with a player'shand. In addition, factoring in the effects of fatigue, perspiration,cold temperatures, and inclement weather, it is easy to see why playersoften lose a firm grip on sports equipment.

[0013] In addition, some sports such as lacrosse and ice hockey requirethe use of protective gloves that further frustrate a player's firm gripon the sports equipment shaft. Although these gloves protect the outsideof a player's hand, the layer of material between the shaft and theplayer's palm and fingers, no matter how tacky, reduces the player'sfeel for the sports equipment. Additionally, moisture from, for example,inclement weather makes firm gripping difficult.

[0014] To improve the grip and padding characteristics of the variablehand placement handles, players sometimes tape the shafts with gauzetape, Tourna Grip™, or similar grip materials. Although these minoradjustments may approximate a grip, it is difficult to build shapes outof the tape that complement finger placement and/or that increase thediameter of the handle to aid a player in using the required grippingforce. Furthermore, the tape rarely adheres well to the shaft, tends toslide, and does not move in unison with the shaft. Indeed, the tape isextremely susceptible to wearing, tattering, and falling off. Thus,players must constantly remove and replace the tape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is a variable hand placement sportsequipment handle having overlays that improve stick handling. In apreferred embodiment, the primary components of the handle include ashaft and at least one overlay attached to the shaft. The overlays arespecially located and structured to provide the shaft with structuraland tactile features that correspond to and accommodate the way in whicha player moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft. Thestructural and tactile features are located on the shaft to enhance aplayer's control of the shaft when performing various skills.

[0016] The overlays are preferably made of material that is soft,pliable, deformable, and tacky in places, so as to provide a player witha better hold on the handle. The material is tacky where needed toincrease grip friction and is soft, pliable, and deformable to providecushioning and shock absorption, which alleviate stress and injurycaused by the vibration of the stick and contact between the shaft andplayers' body parts.

[0017] In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, thesports equipment handle is a lacrosse stick handle with an overlayapplied in the area of the juncture between the lacrosse stick handleand the lacrosse stick head. Applied in the area of the juncture meansthat the location of the overlay relates to the juncture in one of fourways: 1) the entire overlay is disposed within a portion of the head(e.g., the throat of the head); 2) a portion of the overlay is disposedwithin of a portion of the head; 3) the overlay abuts the head at thejuncture; or 4) the overlay is axially spaced from the juncture. Theoverlay applied in the area of the juncture improves the grip of aplayer's upper hand yet is non-tacky so as not to impede a player's handfrom sliding down the shaft. An additional overlay is applied proximateto the end of the lacrosse stick handle opposite the lacrosse stickhead. This additional overlay is tacky and oversized to improve the gripof a player's lower hand.

[0018] In a first alternate implementation of the first preferredembodiment, the overlay applied proximate to the end of the lacrossestick handle has a conical shape that assists a player in gripping theend of the handle.

[0019] In a second alternate implementation of the first preferredembodiment, the sports equipment handle is a lacrosse stick handle witha continuous overlay applied to the entire length of the lacrosse stickshaft. The overlay is preferably structured with ribs and grooves toincrease grip friction and resist the twisting of the shaft, while alsoenhancing control of the head and, thereby, the movement of the shaftand head as one unit.

[0020] In a third alternate implementation of the first preferredembodiment of the present invention, the sports equipment handle is alacrosse stick having discrete overlay ribs that extend a length of thelacrosse stick shaft, but do not cover the entire surface area of theshaft within that length.

[0021] In a fourth alternate implementation of the first preferredembodiment of the present invention, the sports equipment handle is alacrosse stick having a base overlay covering the entire surface area ofthe lacrosse stick shaft and having discrete overlay ribs on top of thebase overlay.

[0022] In a second preferred embodiment, the sports equipment handle isa hockey stick with at least one overlay that has indentations toreceive a player's hand and improve the hold by that hand.

[0023] In a third preferred embodiment, the sports equipment handle is afield hockey stick with at least one overlay proximate to the end of theshaft that has indentations to receive a player's hand and improve thehold by that band. In a further aspect, the field hockey stickpreferably includes an overlay on a lower hand position below the firstoverlay. In another aspect, the field hockey stick preferably includesanother overlay on the head portion of the field hockey stick. Dependingon its material, composition, and/or thickness, this operational portionoverlay dampens ball impacts, reduces vibration, and provides a desiredrebound effect when hitting a ball.

[0024] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an overlayon a variable hand placement sports equipment handle that improves aplayer's hold on the handle.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsequipment handle that improves a player's hold on the handle for varioushand placements.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsequipment handle that increases grip friction between the handle and aplayer's hand or glove.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide acomfortable sports equipment handle that absorbs impact and shock, andhelps to prevent a player's losing hold of the handle.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to assist with ballcontrol on the hitting and receiving area of sports equipment shaftssuch as field hockey sticks.

[0029] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionare described in greater detail in the detailed description of theinvention, and the appended drawings. Additional features and advantagesof the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, willbe apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a lacrosse stick according to afirst preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of a shaft and an indented overlayaccording to an option of the first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, in which the shaft has been cut and the indented overlay hasbeen trimmed back to receive an end cap.

[0032]FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of the fully assembled shaft,overlay, and end cap shown in FIG. 1b.

[0033]FIG. 1d is a schematic diagram of a front view of a lacrosse stickhaving an upper overlay and a specially structured lower overlay,according to an option of the first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0034]FIG. 1e is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the lacrossestick of FIG. 1d.

[0035]FIG. 1f is a schematic diagram showing a back view of the lacrossestick of FIG. 1d.

[0036]FIG. 1g is a schematic diagram showing different axial positionsof an overlay, according to the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0037]FIGS. 1h and 1 i are schematic diagrams showing different radialpositions of an overlay, according to the first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0038]FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of a portion of a lacrosse stickhaving a conical shaped overlay, according to a first alternateimplementation of the first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0039]FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of the back of a conical shapedoverlay provided by an end cap, according to an option of the firstalternate implementation of the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0040]FIG. 2c is a schematic diagram of a side view of the conicalshaped overlay shown in FIG. 2b.

[0041]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a lacrosse stick, according to asecond alternate implementation of the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0042]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged view of a portion ofthe overlay on the stick shown in FIG. 3.

[0043]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a lacrosse stick having discreteoverlay ribs that extend a length of the lacrosse stick handle,according to a third alternate implementation of the first preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 6a is an enlarged view of the lower portion of the shaft ofFIG. 5, with a view of cross-section A-A.

[0045]FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram of a rib attached to a shaft by aninterference fit, according to an option of the third alternateimplementation of the first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0046]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a lacrosse stick having a baseoverlay covering the entire surface area of the lacrosse stick handleand having discrete overlay ribs on top of the base overlay, accordingto a fourth alternate implementation of the first preferred embodimentof the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a hockey stick, according to asecond preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a field hockey stick, accordingto a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a back view (the non-playingside) of the field hockey stick shown in FIG. 9.

[0050]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged view of the overlaydisposed near the end of the field hockey stick shown in FIG. 9.

[0051]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the overlay shown in FIG. 11with a hand placed on the overlay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention is a variable hand placement sportsequipment handle having overlays that improve stick handling. Theoverlays are specially located and structured to provide the shaft withstructural and tactile features that correspond to the way in which aplayer moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft. Thestructural and tactile features are located on the shaft to enhance aplayer's control of the shaft when performing various skills with theoperational portion of the sports equipment.

[0053]FIG. 1a illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention for a lacrosse stick. This preferred embodiment of the presentinvention applies equally well to men's lacrosse sticks, to women'slacrosse sticks, to sticks for players of all sizes and ages, to sticksused in competition lacrosse (e.g., professional, club, and boxlacrosse, and lacrosse governed in whole or in part by NCAA or U.S.Women's Lacrosse Association rules), and to sticks used innon-competition lacrosse (e.g., recreational and instructional lacrossesticks used in physical education classes). In each application, thepresent invention is adaptable to provide unique advantages fordifferent types of players. For example, for women and youth players,the present invention can provide cushioning for increased safety. Asanother example, for men's lacrosse sticks, the present invention canprovide improved grip and feel.

[0054] In this first preferred embodiment, the lacrosse stick 100includes a generally V-shaped head 102 (the operational portion) havinga throat portion 104, a shaft 106 attached to throat portion 104 at ajuncture 108, and at least one overlay 110 or 112 applied to lacrossestick 100. Shaft 106 is made of wood, metal, or composite material, andof a generally round shape, perhaps octagonal or oval. The typicalfeatures of a lacrosse stick are all shown generally in Tucker et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,495 and Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,947,which are both incorporated by reference herein.

[0055] Overlays 110 and 112 are strategically located to correspond tothe areas in which most players place their hands to use the lacrossestick. These areas are generally on or near both ends of shaft 106, withat least a portion of the overlays proximate to the ends of shaft 106.As used herein, “proximate” means that the overlays can be located fromthe literal end of the shaft, to a position on the shaft at which mostplayers place their hands, and even somewhat beyond that position aswell.

[0056] Overlay 110 is applied in the area of juncture 108 and can beapplied to shaft 106, to a portion of head 102, or to both. As shown inFIG. 1g, overlay 110 can assume one of four different axial positionsrelative to juncture 108: 1) overlay 110 can be disposed within of aportion of head 102 as shown in position 151, in other words, the entireaxial length of the overlay is contained within a portion of head 102;2) a portion of overlay 110 can be disposed within a portion of head 102as shown in position 152; 3) overlay 110 can abut head 102 at juncture108 as shown in position 153; or 4) overlay 110 can be axially spacedfrom juncture 108 as shown in position 154.

[0057] In addition to these different axial positions, the relativeradial location of overlay 110 can vary as well. Head 102 and,specifically, throat portion 104 are disposed radially outward of shaft106. As shown in FIG. 1h, overlay 110 is disposed radially between shaft106 and throat portion 104. Positioning overlay 110 between shaft 106and head 102 can assist in securing shaft 106 to head 102 by providing atight interference fit. As shown in FIG. 1i, overlay 110 can also bedisposed radially outward of throat portion 104 of head 102. In thisposition, overlay 110 can also contribute to the connection betweenshaft 106 and head 102, and can also provide a smoother transitioningsurface from shaft 106 to head 102. As used herein, an overlay is“attached” to a shaft when the overlay is directly applied to the shaftor when the overlay is applied to a structure that is disposed radiallyinward or outward of the shaft, such as the throat portion in FIG. 1i.

[0058] Returning to the representative embodiment shown in FIG. 1a,overlay 110 is applied such that it abuts head 102 at juncture 108,where a player would grip the handle with her upper hand to execute suchskills as catching, cradling, and throwing. Overlay 110 is preferablycontoured to improve grip, yet is non-tacky so as not to impede thesliding of a player's hand. Alternatively, overlay 110 is made ofseveral layers of overlay material to build up contours such as ribs andgrooves (described in more detail below). At this location, the improvedgrip and increased cross-sectional area of overlay 110 reduce the torqueon a player's arm, especially when holding the stick handle with onehand, e.g., when cradling the ball with one hand (a common practice inmen's lacrosse).

[0059] Similarly, overlay 112 is applied to a region proximate to theend of the handle opposite head 104. At this location, a player wouldgrip the handle with her lower hand to execute such skills as catchingand throwing, but would also execute such skills as raising the stickabove her head to avoid opponents, or extending the stick out in frontof herself to scoop ground balls or run in the open field. The increasedgrip friction and cross-sectional area of the handle reduce torque on aplayer's arm.

[0060] The axial lengths of overlays 110 and 112 are at least as long asa typical player's hand width. Overlay 112 also preferably encloses theend of shaft 106 to eliminate the need for an end cap. Optionally,overlay 112 is much longer than a typical player's hand width, e.g.,approximately 1 foot long or longer. This additional length providesenough grip area for players who cut off the bottom of the handle tocustomize the length and handling of the lacrosse stick (an occasionalpractice of children players and box lacrosse players). In such a case,as shown in FIGS. 1b and 1 c, the present invention would include an endcap 113 that joins overlay 112 at the end of shaft 106 to provide acomplete, enclosed final product. Preferably, in this situation, whenshaft 106 is cut, overlay 112 is trimmed back to leave an area 114 forreceiving end cap 113 (as shown in FIG. 1b). FIG. 1c shows end cap 113abutting overlay 112 and covering area 114.

[0061] In addition to accommodating the size and placement of players'hands, a further advantage of the overlays is the ability to createinteresting and pleasing shapes that increase the overall aestheticvalue of shaft 106 and lacrosse stick 100.

[0062] In addition to being strategically located, overlays 110 and 112are specially structured to improve the player's hold on the lacrossestick handle. Preferably, this structure is shaped to conform to aplayer's hand, for example, with finger indentations, ribs, grooves, oran overall hourglass shape. The structure also preferably includesvarying cross-sectional areas that prevent a player's hand from slidingover the end of the overlay and off of the shaft. For example, toimprove the gripping of the lacrosse stick at the end opposite to head102, the cross-sectional area of overlay 112 could increase toward theend of the lacrosse stick handle. The resulting substantiallyconical-shaped overlay helps prevent the player's hand from slipping offthe end of the handle. The conical shape also provides the player's handwith more leverage over the shaft, allowing the player to impartincreased torque on the lacrosse stick and to achieve better overallcontrol. Optionally, overlay 110 could include grooves below head 102 toprovide enough grip for a player to control the stick handle whileholding the stick handle with one hand and dodging opposing players, yetstill allow the player's hand to slide.

[0063]FIGS. 1d, 1 e, and If illustrate a lacrosse stick 113 having anupper overlay 114 and a specially structured lower overlay 116 thatincludes features that help a player to grasp stick 113. FIGS. 1d, 1 e,and If are front, side, and back views, respectively, of lacrosse stick113. A series of protrusions 118 act as finger grips. These protrusions118 are disposed between respective fingers of the player, improvingcomfort and grip. Protrusions 118 are disposed on the back of stick 113to accommodate the manner in which a player grabs shaft 106. A raisedportion 120 helps to prevent stick 113 from slipping axially away, outof the player's hand. Protrusions 118 and raised portion 120 match thenatural contours of a player's hand and improve grip and comfort.

[0064] An important aspect of the present invention is the relativethicknesses of overlays 110 and 112, providing different cross-sectionalareas of shaft 106 in strategic locations. For example, overlay 110could be thinner to produce a smaller cross-sectional area, therebyallowing a player's hand to more easily slide over it (e.g., during athrowing motion). Likewise, overlay 112 could be thicker to produce alarger cross-sectional area, thereby providing a player with increasedleverage, greater torque, and enhanced control over stick 100. Theseperformance characteristics would be especially beneficial to playersthat frequently play with one hand on shaft 106.

[0065] To improve a player's hold on shaft 106, the material of overlay110 and 112 is preferably soft, pliable, deformable, and tacky. “Tacky,”as used herein, means a surface providing friction with a player's handor glove greater than the friction that would be provided by the shaftitself “Deformable,” as used herein, means able to change shape, e.g.,to reduce thickness. The preferred functions of the overlay materialinclude increased grip (friction between the overlay and a player's handor glove), and shock absorption. Examples of preferred materialssatisfying these characteristics and functions include elastomers andrubbers. For example, preferred materials include thermoplasticelastomers (TPEs) such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU), styrene blockcopolymers, thermoplastic olefins (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizates(TPV), melt-processible rubber such as Alcryn™ from Advanced PolymerAlloys, polyether block amides such as Pebax™ from Elf Atochem,copolyesters, copolyamides, and other TPEs that are soft, pliable,deformable and/or tacky. In addition to lacrosse stick handles, thepreferred overlay materials apply also to other embodiments of variablehand placement sports equipment handles having overlays, as describedbelow.

[0066] As a specific example, Alcryn™ melt-processible rubber ispreferred for overlay 112 because it is durable and provides increasedtack and grip friction between overlay 112 and a player's hand or glove,while still providing some degree of cushioning. Alcryn™ that ismodified to obtain polymers of greater hardness and reduced tack issuitable for overlay 110 since it is durable and offers some degree ofcushioning.

[0067]FIG. 2a illustrates a first alternate implementation of the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention for a men's lacrosse stickhandle, in which overlay 112 preferably has a more pronounced conicalshape than a women's stick handle, i.e., the cross-sectional area ofoverlay 112 increases at a greater rate and reaches a greatercross-sectional area at the handle end than on a women's handle. Forinstance, overlay 112 on a men's stick handle could be 6 inches long,increasing in cross-sectional area from 1.77 square inches(corresponding to a 1.5 inch diameter) to 4.91 square inches(corresponding to a 2.5 inch diameter) at the end of the shaft. Bycontrast, overlay 112 on a women's stick handle could be 5 inches long,increasing more gradually in cross-sectional area from 1.77 squareinches to 3.14 square inches (corresponding to a 2 inch diameter). Theexact dimensions for each application vary according to the needs of aparticular type of player and according to limits set by competitiverules. The wider end and the more pronounced conical shape of overlay112 are better suited for men's larger hands and for the men's morefrequent one-handed style of play. Overall, the more pronounced conicalshape assists a men's player in gripping the end of the stick and notallowing the stick handle to slip free.

[0068] The pronounced conical shape of this first alternate embodimentof the first preferred embodiment of the present invention can beachieved using an end cap that forms overlay 112. As shown in FIGS. 2band 2 c, end cap 200 fits onto shaft 106 to provide a conical shape foroverlay 112. In this representative embodiment, end cap 200 has a femaleend 208, which receives shaft 106, and a butt end 210. End cap 200 hasrounded protrusions 202 that increase the cross-sectional area of endcap 200 to create the conical shape, as shown in FIG. 2b. Furthermore,end cap 200 has a back protrusion 204 that extends the material of endcap 200 a farther distance radially away from shaft 106 and furtherincreases the cross-sectional area of end cap 200.

[0069] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2c, the plane 250 of the face ofbutt end 210 is not perpendicular to the axis 251 of shaft 106. Thisconfiguration, along with protrusion 204, creates a comfortablestructure against which the heel of a player's hand can rest. Alsopreferably, as shown in FIG. 2c, the plane 252 of the face of female end208 is not perpendicular to the axis 251 of shaft 106. Thisconfiguration creates a joint between end cap 200 and shaft 106 that isoriented to match the direction in which a player's finger wraps aroundshaft 106. The ridge of end cap 200 at this joint provides another pointof resistance that improves the player's grip. Optionally, plane 252 ofthe face of female end 208 could be substantially perpendicular to axis251 of shaft 106 to simplify manufacturing of end cap 208 and to providea stronger bond between end cap 200 and shaft 106 by increasing thesurface area joining end cap 200 to shaft 106. As used herein withreference to perpendicular and parallel, “substantially” means±5°.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2 c, end cap 200 also preferably has agrooved area 204 to increase grip friction. Grooved area 204 has ribs205 and grooves 206. Preferably, ribs 205 and grooves 206 are formedsubstantially parallel to axis 251 of shaft 106 as shown in FIG. 2b.However, ribs 205 and grooves 206 could also be formed in otheralignments, such as substantially perpendicular to axis 251, diagonal toaxis 251, and random or patterned curved lines.

[0071]FIG. 3 illustrates a second alternate implementation of the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention, as specifically appliedto a goalie lacrosse stick 300. The design requirements of a goaliestick and the use of the goalie stick differ somewhat from the sticksused in other lacrosse player positions. Most notably, the goalie stickis primarily used for defensive purposes, to block balls from enteringthe goal. Although the goalie's ability to throw accurately isimportant, the principal focus of the stick design, as evident by thelarge head 302, is to provide an easily maneuverable, wide stoppingarea. In positioning the stopping area (head 302), goalies use multiplehand placements along shaft 306. The hand placements depend largely onthe speed and direction of an approaching ball. Therefore, isolatedoverlays, such as overlays 110 and 112 of FIG. 1a, may not accommodateall of the hand placements that different goalies require and may notprovide the same reduction in torque when quickly moving the largergoalie head.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the present invention provides anoverlay that is specially suited for a goalie's needs. Overlay 320extends the entire length of shaft 306 to improve a player's hold on thestick for hand placement along any portion of shaft 306. In relation tothe first preferred embodiment (FIG. 1a), overlay 320 of this secondalternate implementation can be viewed as the two overlays 110 and 112of FIG. 1a with a third overlay in between, joining the three overlaysto form a substantially continuous overlay that completely encases shaft306. As used herein, extending the entire length of the shaft andcompletely encasing the shaft mean that the overlay covers either theshaft from one literal end to the other literal end or that the overlayis proximate to the ends of the shaft but does not cover the literalends of the shaft, in which case the shaft may not be covered where itis disposed radially inward of the head. In addition, in covering theentire length of the shaft, the radial location of the overlay inrelation to the head can vary as described above in connection withFIGS. 1h and 1 i.

[0073] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, overlay 320 includes ribs402 and grooves 404 that enhance grip, help to prevent the shaft fromtwisting in a player's hand, and, because of the greater circumferencethey provide, increase the degree to which the handle and head move asone unit. This latter benefit is the key to good goalie play. Ribs 402and grooves 404 are preferably formed in straight longitudinal linesalong shaft 306.

[0074] Although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate this implementation in thecontext of goalie sticks, the structures and functions of thisimplementation are not limited to goalie sticks and can be applied toother types of lacrosse sticks to obtain the same or similar advantages.Indeed, an overlay that extends the entire length of a shaft, such asoverlay 320, provides advantages to all types of lacrosse sticks. Forexample, as a preferred embodiment, an overlay could cover the entirelength of a shaft to completely encase the shaft and provide an end capon the shaft. The overlay could be smooth or could have ribs. Byencasing the entire length of the shaft, the shaft is better protectedand can be constructed of a thinner wall thickness. This constructionaffords a substantial weight savings, which is a significant benefit toany lacrosse stick. Optionally, instead of completely encasing theshaft, the overlay could encase the shaft to a point proximate to thebutt end of the shaft (the end opposite the operational portion), wherethe overlay could meet an end cap attached to the butt end of the shaft.

[0075]FIG. 5 illustrates a third alternate implementation of the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a lacrosse stick500 has an overlay 502 that extends a length of shaft 504, but does notcover the entire surface area of shaft 504 within that length (i.e.,overlay 502 does not encase shaft 504 within that length). Although FIG.5 shows overlay 502 extending the entire length of shaft 504, overlay502 could extend only particular lengths of shaft 504, for example, alength near head 510.

[0076] As best shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6a, overlay 502 is arib attached to shaft 504. FIG. 6a shows the lower portion of shaft 504of FIG. 5 with a view of cross-section A-A. Overlay 502 is made of anyof the materials described above for overlays 110 and 112 of FIG. 1a,while shaft 504 is made of conventional materials, such as wood ormetal. For example, rib 502 could be an elastomer applied to a shaft 504made of aluminum.

[0077] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6b, overlay 502 is attached to shaft504 using an interference fit. For example, shaft 504 could have adovetail slot 507 into which an elastomeric rib is forced. The shape ofoverlay 502 matches the shape of dovetail slot 507. Preferably, overlay502 is slightly larger than slot 507 so that overlay 502 must becompressed to fit inside slot 507. This compression creates aninterference fit that strongly bonds overlay 502 and shaft 504 such thatthey move in unison. Although this interference fit is described here inthe context of rib overlays on a lacrosse stick, this optionalembodiment applies equally well to any overlay applied to a sportsequipment handle.

[0078] In addition to providing a tacky gripping surface, overlay 502protrudes from shaft 504 to provide a structure against which a player'shand can apply torque around the axis of shaft 504. The applied torqueincreases a player's control of the stick and resists unwanted twistingof shaft 504. As an added benefit, overlay 502 provides a tactile cue ofthe orientation of the shaft. By feeling overlay 502, a player knows inwhich direction the head is facing. Therefore, a player can correctlyposition the head of the stick without looking at the stick.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, more than one discrete overlay can beapplied to shaft 504. Preferably, shaft 504 contains three discreteoverlays 502, 506, and 508, spaced equally around the perimeter of shaft504. As with a single overlay, overlays 502, 506, and 508 are located toprovide a player with a feel for the orientation of lacrosse stick 500.For example, overlay 506 could be located on a vertical line drawnthrough the middle of head 510, to indicate to a player the directionhead 510 is facing.

[0080]FIGS. 5 and 6a illustrate additional overlays applied to shaft 504at a location of more frequent hand placement. Overlays 512 arelatitudinal ribs applied to shaft 504 near its end opposite theoperational portion (head 510). Overlays 512 are distinct ribs ofmaterial applied around the perimeter of shaft 504. Overlays 512 aremade of any material described above for overlays 110 and 112 of FIG.1a. The area 514 between overlays 512 is the conventional material ofshaft 504, such as metal or wood.

[0081] Overlays 512 provide a player with additional tacky surfaces forbetter grip at locations of more frequent hand placement, e.g., at theupper and lower ends of shaft 504. In addition, overlays 512 provide astructure against which a player's hand can apply a force along the axisof shaft 504. This applied force increases a player's control of thestick and prevents shaft 504 from sliding out the player's hand. Theindividually placed ribs of overlays 512 also provide a tactileindication of the correct area of hand placement and provide areas 514in which a player's fingers can securely hold shaft 504. Although FIGS.5 and 6a show overlays 512 at the end of shaft 504 opposite head 510,this preferred embodiment also includes overlays of a type similar tooverlays 512, applied at other locations along shaft 504, for example,at another location of frequent hand placement just below head 510.

[0082] The rib structures of overlays 502, 506, 508, and 512 offerseveral advantages. The ribs are made of material softer than shaft 504,providing cushioning during such motions as throwing, catching, andchecking. The cushioning is especially beneficial when players' fingersare struck and pinched against shaft 504 by other hard surfaces, such asopposing players' sticks. The ribs also help to keep a player's fingersoff of the surface of shaft 504. This feature is advantageous in coldweather, when a metal shaft can chill and stiffen a player's hands, andthereby compromise the player's skills. Applying ribs the length ofshaft 504 and at particular locations of frequent hand placement alsohelps to dampen vibration of the entire stick 510, thereby increasingthe player's comfort and control. Finally, as described above, the ribstructures provide improved grip and additional surfaces against whichto apply torque and force.

[0083] Although FIGS. 5 and 6a depict overlays 502, 506, 508, and 512 asribs of constant thickness, the thickness of the ribs could vary. Asused here, thickness means the distance that the overlays protrude fromshaft 504, or distance T in FIG. 6a. For example, the thickness couldtaper such that overlays 502, 506, and 508 are at their greatestthicknesses at the end of shaft 504 opposite head 510, and reduce inthickness down to their smallest thicknesses at the end of shaft 504near head 510. The thicker ribs at the end of shaft 504 opposite head510 provide an increased cross-sectional area at the butt end of stick500 to give a player the same stick handling advantages described abovefor the conical shaped overlay. As another example, overlays 502, 506,508, and 512 could have contoured indentations intended to accommodatethe shape of a player's hand or fingers.

[0084] In addition to variable thickness, the shape and width ofoverlays 502, 506, and 508 can vary. “Width” is as shown by W in FIG.6a. Although FIGS. 5 and 6 a show the ribs as having constant widths Wrunning parallel to the axis of shaft 504, width W could vary and theribs could run in a direction other than parallel to the axis of shaft504. For example, in areas of more frequent hand placement, overlays502, 506, and 508 could be wider to provide more surface area with whichto contact a player's hand. As an example of running in a directionother than parallel, overlays 502, 506, and 508 could travel in aswirled pattern down the length of shaft 504, like the pattern of abarbershop pole or a corkscrew.

[0085]FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth alternate implementation of the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a lacrosse stick700 has a base overlay 702 covering an entire surface area of thelacrosse stick shaft 704, and has discrete overlays 706 on top of baseoverlay 702. Overlays 706 are ribs providing the same structures andfunctions described above for overlays 502, 506, and 508 of FIGS. 5 and6a. Base overlay 706 provides additional performance benefits such asthermal insulation, cushioning, and dampening. Base overlay 706 alsoserves as a protective layer for shaft 504, reducing the likelihood ofdamage such as nicks and dents. Also, in the event of a severe impactthat breaks shaft 704, having shaft 704 covered with base overlay 706diminishes the possibility of exposed, sharp metal edges cutting aplayer.

[0086]FIG. 8 illustrates a hockey stick 800 according to a secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention. Hockey stick 800 has ablade 802 (the operational portion) and a shaft 804 connected to blade802. Shaft 804 preferably includes two overlays 806 and 808. Preferably,overlay 806 is spaced from overlay 808 along the length of shaft 804. Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 8, overlay 808is located closer to blade 802 than overlay 806. Preferably, overlay 806is disposed proximate to the end of shaft 804 opposite blade 802 andoverlay 808 is located proximate to blade 802 at a convenient grippinglocation. The principles of the invention disclosed in connection withFIG. 8 are equally applicable to street hockey sticks and ice hockeysticks.

[0087] FIGS. 9-12 show a field hockey stick according to a thirdpreferred embodiment of the present invention. Field hockey stick 900includes a curved head or toe 902 (the operational portion) and a shaft904. Curved head 902 has a flat side (playing side) and a smooth roundedside (non-playing side). Shaft 904 can be of a uniform or variablecross-sectional area.

[0088] Field hockey stick 900 preferably includes at least one, andpreferably two, overlays 906 and 908. Preferably, overlays 906 and 908are axially spaced from one another along the length of shaft 904.Preferably, overlays 906 and 908 are located at those positions alongthe length of shaft 904 where players are most likely to grasp shaft904. In the field hockey stick embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-12, overlay906 is disposed proximate to the end of shaft 904 and overlay 908 isdisposed below overlay 906 proximate to head 902. Thus, overlay 908 isdisposed between head 902 and overlay 906. Field hockey stick 900preferably includes a sliding area 910 disposed between overlay 906 andoverlay 908. Sliding area 910 allows the player's hands to slide moreeasily between overlays 906 and 908. Optionally, conventional grippingmaterial, such as leather or synthetic straps, can be applied to slidingarea 910.

[0089] As an alternate implementation of the third preferred embodiment,field hockey stick 900 further includes an operational portion overlay912 on the flat side of head 902. Operational portion overlay 912provides a desired level of rebound and impact absorption to enhanceball control and reduce vibration. As an example of a desired level ofrebound and impact absorption, overlay 912 could be firm in the hittingarea 912 a and more compressible in the flat ball-stop area 912 b. Asapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, overlay 912 could be twoseparate overlays for hitting area 912 a and ball-stop area 912 b.

[0090]FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged views of upper overlay 906. Overlay906 may include features that help players grasp stick 900. A series ofprotrusions 1102 act as finger grips. These protrusions 1102 aredisposed between respective fingers of the player, and improve comfortand grip. Indentation or recess 1104 is designed to accommodate the heelof the player's hand. Finally, a raised portion 1106 helps to preventthe field hockey stick 900 from slipping axially away from the player.All of these features act to match the natural contours of a player'shand and improve grip and comfort. While the contouring features havebeen disclosed in connection with the field hockey embodiment, it shouldbe kept in mind that the contouring features are equally applicable toother embodiments of the invention as well.

[0091] An important aspect of the field hockey embodiment is therelative thicknesses and materials of overlays 906, 908, and 912, andespecially of areas 912 a and 912 b of overlay 912. Each overlay can bemade of different materials and different thicknesses to provide thedesired levels of cushioning and rebound. For instance, overlay 912 canbe thin in hitting area 912 a to provide a firm surface in the ballstriking portion of head 902, which limits rebound absorption andprovides solid, predictable contact. The same overlay 912 could also bethicker in ball-stop area 912 b to cushion ball impacts and therebyimprove a player's ability to receive and gain control over a ball. Asanother example, the thickness of overlay 906 could vary to producevarying degrees of cushioning. The thickness in the area of the palm ofthe hand could be greater to provide increased cushioning and comfort,while the thickness in the area of the fingers could be thinner toprovide better grip and feel for the handle. In addition to variablethicknesses, different materials can be used in each overlay to providedesired performance characteristics.

[0092] Regarding overlay material for the field hockey stick embodiment,as an example, Alcryn™ melt-processible rubber is preferred for overlays906 and 908 because it is durable and provides increased tack and gripfriction between the overlays and a player's hand or glove, while stillproviding some degree of cushioning. Overlay 912 preferably consists ofimpact-absorbing materials that are durable and abrasion resistant, suchas thermoplastic urethanes, styrene block copolymers, firmer grades ofAlcryn™, thermoplastic olefins, thermoplastic vulcanizates,copolyesters, and copolyamides.

[0093] According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention,to create a unitary handle, the process of joining an overlay and shaftuses insert molding or over molding methods. Both methods produce acomposite structure in which the components are strongly bonded suchthat they move in unison. As used herein, “unitary handle” refers tothis composite structure in which the components move in unison. Insertmolding is more appropriate for shaft handles having a long continuousoverlay, such as on stick 300 in FIG. 3. Over molding is more suitablefor overlays placed at isolated locations on a shaft, as with overlays110 and 112 on shaft 106 in FIG. 1a.

[0094] For the insert molding method, a shaft is placed inside a moldthat covers the entire surface of the shaft and creates a continuousseries of interior cavities between the mold and the shaft. A meltedthermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer is poured into the mold to fillthe interior cavities. After cooling and solidifying, the material inthe interior cavities forms a continuous overlay.

[0095] The method for over molding is similar to insert molding exceptthat the mold forms independent interior cavities into which meltedthermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer is poured. The independentinterior cavities create overlays at specific, non-continuous locationsaround the shaft.

[0096] In addition to these molding methods, an alternative preferredembodiment of the present invention uses structural elements of theoverlay and shaft to create a unitary handle. The structural elementsrequire the overlay to be compressed and force-fitted into a cavity onthe shaft. The resulting interference fit strongly bonds the overlay andshaft to provide the unitary handle. For example, as shown in FIG. 6aand described above, on a lacrosse stick with an extruded metal shaft,the outer surface of the shaft could have dovetail slots formed axiallyalong the shaft. A pre-molded rib matching the shape of the slots, butsized slightly larger, would be compressed and forced into a slot. Oncepositioned in the slot, the compressed rib and shaft would bond tightlytogether to create the unitary handle. Optionally, instead of using apre-molded rib, this structural fit could be combined with the moldingmethods such that melted thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer ispoured inside a slot and molded above the slot to form the rib.

[0097] As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, theabove-described embodiments are examples of preferred placements of theoverlay areas on portions of a sports equipment handle. The preferredareas will vary according to the particular sports equipment and thelocations on the sports equipment handle that a player is most likely tomanipulate. The optimal shape and placement of the overlays will varyaccording to the way in which a typical player grips the sportsequipment handle and applies force to the handle.

[0098] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the claims.

[0099] The foregoing disclosure of embodiments of the present inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseforms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodimentsdescribed herein will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art inlight of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to bedefined only by the claims, and by their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports apparatus comprising: (a) an operationalportion; (b) a shaft having a first end attached to the operationalportion and a second end opposite to the first end; (c) a first overlay;and (d) a second overlay, wherein the first and second overlays arefixedly disposed on the shaft, wherein the first overlay is proximate tothe first end of the shaft and the second overlay is proximate to thesecond end of the shaft, and wherein the first overlay is spaced fromthe second overlay.
 2. The sports apparatus of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first overlay and the second overlay is an elastomer.
 3. Thesports apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first overlayand the second overlay is melt-processible rubber.
 4. The sportsapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first overlay and thesecond overlay is resilient.
 5. The sports apparatus of claim 1, whereinat least one of the first overlay and the second overlay is deformable.6. The sports apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstoverlay and the second overlay is tacky.
 7. The sports apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first overlay and the secondoverlay is insert molded.
 8. The sports apparatus of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first overlay and the second overlay is over molded. 9.The sports apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstoverlay and the second overlay is fixedly disposed on the shaft using aninterference fit.
 10. The sports apparatus of claim 9, wherein theinterference fit comprises a slot on the shaft and at least one of thefirst overlay and the second overlay shaped slightly larger than theslot, and compressed and forced into the slot.
 11. The sports apparatusof claim 1, wherein at least one of the first overlay and the secondoverlay is contoured to accommodate a shape of a human finger.
 12. Thesports apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first overlayand the second overlay includes a plurality of protrusions.
 13. Thesports apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first overlayand the second overlay includes an indentation to accommodate a heel ofa player's hand.
 14. The sports apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secondoverlay includes a first cross-sectional area and a secondcross-sectional area, the first cross-sectional area being greater thanthe second cross-sectional area.
 15. The sports apparatus of claim 1,wherein the second overlay is substantially conical.
 16. The sportsapparatus of claim 15, wherein the second overlay is a conical shapedend cap fit over the shaft.
 17. The sports apparatus of claim 16,wherein the end cap comprises: (i) a female end that receives the shaft,the female end having a first cross-sectional area; (ii) a butt endopposite to the female end, the butt end having a second cross-sectionalarea greater than the first cross-sectional area; (iii) roundedprotrusions between the female end and the butt end, which increasecross-sectional area of the end cap from the female end to the butt end;and (iv) a back protrusion that extends the butt end a farther distanceradially away from the shaft and further increases the secondcross-sectional area.
 18. The sports apparatus of claim 17, wherein theshaft has an axis and the butt end has a face, and a plane that the faceoccupies is not perpendicular to the axis.
 19. The sports apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the shaft has an axis and the female end has a face,and a plane that the face occupies is not perpendicular to the axis. 20.The sports apparatus of claim 17, wherein the shaft has an axis and thefemale end has a face, and a plane that the face occupies issubstantially perpendicular to the axis.
 21. The sports apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the end cap further comprises an area having ribs andgrooves.
 22. The sports apparatus of claim 21, wherein the shaft has anaxis and the ribs and the grooves are formed in an alignment selectedfrom the group consisting of substantially parallel to the axis,substantially perpendicular to the axis, diagonal to the axis, randomcurved lines, and patterned curved lines.
 23. The sports apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein one of the first overlay and the second overlayincludes at least one rib.
 24. The sports apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe operational portion is a lacrosse head.
 25. The sports apparatus ofclaim 24, wherein the second overlay has a length along the shaft, andwherein the second overlay does not cover the entire surface area of theshaft within the length.
 26. The sports apparatus of claim 25, whereinthe second overlay is a rib attached to the shaft.
 27. The sportsapparatus of claim 26, further comprising a third overlay fixedlydisposed along the shaft within the length, wherein the third overlay isa rib, and wherein the third overlay does not cover the entire surfacearea of the shaft within the length.
 28. The sports apparatus of claim27, further comprising a fourth overlay fixedly disposed along the shaftwithin the length, wherein the fourth overlay is a rib, wherein thefourth overlay does not cover the entire surface area of the shaftwithin the length, and wherein the second overlay, the third overlay,and the fourth overlay are spaced equally around the perimeter of theshaft.
 29. The sports apparatus of claim 26, further comprising alatitudinal rib overlay fixedly disposed on the shaft within the length.30. The sports apparatus of claim 24, wherein the shaft includes a thirdoverlay disposed between the first and second overlays, and wherein thefirst, second, and third overlays are joined to form a substantiallycontinuous overlay.
 31. The sports apparatus of claim 30, wherein thesubstantially continuous overlay includes at least one rib.
 32. Thesports apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational portion is one ofan ice hockey stick blade and a street hockey stick blade.
 33. Thesports apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational portion is a fieldhockey stick head.
 34. The sports apparatus of claim 33, wherein theshaft includes an area disposed between the first and second overlays.35. The sports apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a third overlayfixedly disposed on the operational portion.
 36. The sports apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein the third overlay includes a hitting area and aball-stop area, wherein the ball-stop area is closer to the shaft thanthe hitting area, and wherein impact absorption of the third overlay inthe hitting area is less than impact absorption of the third overlay inthe ball-stop area.
 37. A lacrosse stick comprising: (a) a generallyV-shaped head; (b) a shaft having a first end attached to the head and asecond end opposite to the first end; and (c) a first overlay fixedlydisposed on the shaft.
 38. The lacrosse stick of claim 37, wherein thefirst overlay is proximate to the first end of the shaft.
 39. Thelacrosse stick of claim 38, wherein the first overlay includes at leastone rib.
 40. The lacrosse stick of claim 37, further comprising a secondoverlay disposed on the shaft.
 41. The lacrosse stick of claim 40,wherein the first overlay is proximate to the first end of the shaft andthe second overlay is proximate to the second end of the shaft.
 42. Thelacrosse stick of claim 37, wherein the first overlay is a substantiallycontinuous overlay extending from proximate to the first end of theshaft to proximate to the second end of the shaft.
 43. The lacrossestick of claim 42, wherein the substantially continuous overlay includesat least one rib.
 44. The lacrosse stick of claim 43, wherein athickness of the at least one rib at the second end of the shaft isgreater than a thickness of the at least one rib at the first end of theshaft.
 45. The lacrosse stick of claim 43, wherein a width of the atleast one rib at the second end of the shaft is greater than a width ofthe at least one rib at the first end of the shaft.
 46. The lacrossestick of claim 43, wherein the at least one rib is contoured toaccommodate a shape of a human hand.
 47. The lacrosse stick of claim 43,wherein the at least one rib extends from proximate to the first end ofthe shaft to proximate to the second end of the shaft in a corkscrewpattern.
 48. The lacrosse stick of claim 42, wherein, between proximateto the first end of the shaft and proximate to the second end of theshaft, the substantially continuous overlay covers an entire surfacearea of the shaft.
 49. The lacrosse stick of claim 41, wherein thesecond overlay includes a plurality of protrusions that accommodatehuman fingers.
 50. The lacrosse stick of claim 41, wherein the secondoverlay comprises: (i) a female end that receives the shaft, the femaleend having a first cross-sectional area; (ii) a butt end opposite to thefemale end, the butt end having a second cross-sectional area greaterthan the first cross-sectional area; (iii) rounded protrusions betweenthe female end and the butt end, which increase cross-sectional area ofthe second overlay from the female end to the butt end; and (iv) a backprotrusion that extends the butt end a farther distance radially awayfrom the shaft and further increases the second cross-sectional area.51. The sports apparatus of claim 50, wherein the second overlay furthercomprises an area having ribs and grooves.
 52. The sports apparatus ofclaim 51, wherein the shaft has an axis and the ribs and the grooves areformed in an alignment selected from the group consisting ofsubstantially parallel to the axis, substantially perpendicular to theaxis, diagonal to the axis, random curved lines, and patterned curvedlines.
 53. The sports apparatus of claim 49, wherein the second overlayis substantially conical.
 54. A sports apparatus having a variable handplacement handle, the sports apparatus comprising: (a) an operationalportion; and (b) a variable hand placement handle comprising: a shafthaving a first end attached to the operational portion and second endopposite the first end; a first overlay; and a second overlay, whereinthe first and second overlays are fixedly disposed on the shaft, whereinthe first overlay is proximate to the first end of the shaft and thesecond overlay is proximate to the second end of the shaft, and whereinthe first overlay is spaced from the second overlay.
 55. The sportsapparatus of claim 54, wherein at least one of the first overlay and thesecond overlay is an elastomer.
 56. The sports apparatus of claim 54,wherein at least one of the first overlay and the second overlay isfixedly disposed on the shaft by one of insert molding, over molding,and interference fit.
 57. The sports apparatus of claim 56, wherein theinterference fit comprises a slot on the shaft and at least one of thefirst overlay and the second overlay shaped slightly larger than theslot, and compressed and forced into the slot.
 58. The sports apparatusof claim 54, wherein one of the first overlay and the second overlayincludes at least one rib.
 59. The sports apparatus of claim 54, whereinthe shaft includes a third overlay disposed between the first and secondoverlays, and wherein the first, second, and third overlays are joinedto form a substantially continuous overlay.
 60. The sports apparatus ofclaim 54, wherein the operational portion is one of a lacrosse stickhead, an ice hockey stick blade, a street hockey stick blade, and afield hockey stick head.
 61. A lacrosse stick comprising: (a) agenerally V-shaped head; (b) a shaft having a first end attached to thehead and a second end opposite to the first end; and (c) an overlayextending from proximate to the first end of the shaft to proximate tothe second end of the shaft.
 62. The lacrosse stick of claim 61, whereinthe overlay includes at least one rib formed on a longitudinal line ofthe shaft.
 63. The lacrosse stick of claim 61, wherein the overlaycompletely encases the shaft from proximate to the first end of theshaft to proximate to the second end of the shaft.
 64. The lacrossestick of claim 62, wherein the lacrosse stick is a goalie lacrossestick.
 65. The lacrosse stick of claim 61, further comprising an end capon the second end of the shaft, wherein the overlay encases the shaftfrom proximate to the first end of the shaft to the end cap on thesecond end of the shaft.
 66. A hockey stick comprising: (a) a blade; (b)a shaft having a first end connected to the blade and a second endopposite to the first end; and (c) a first overlay covering a firstlength of the first end of the shaft.
 67. The hockey stick of claim 66,further comprising a second overlay covering a second length of thesecond end of the shaft.
 68. A field hockey stick comprising: (a) a headhaving a flat side and a rounded side; (b) a shaft having a first endconnected to the head and a second end opposite to the first end; and(c) a first overlay disposed on the shaft proximate to the second end.69. The field hockey stick of claim 68, further comprising: (d) a secondoverlay disposed on the shaft proximate to the head; and (e) an areadisposed between the first overlay and the second overlay.
 70. The fieldhockey stick of claim 69, further comprising a third overlay fixedlydisposed on the flat side of the head.
 71. The field hockey stick ofclaim 70, wherein at least one of the first overlay, the second overlay,and the third overlay is melt-processible rubber.
 72. The field hockeystick of claim 68, further comprising a second overlay disposed on theflat side of the head.
 73. The field hockey stick of claim 72, whereinthe second overlay includes a hitting area and a ball-stop area, whereinthe ball-stop area is closer to the shaft than the hitting area, andwherein impact absorption of the second overlay in the hitting area isless than impact absorption of the second overlay in the ball-stop area.74. The field hockey stick of claim 73, wherein a ball-stop area overlayand a hitting area overlay are separate overlays that make up the secondoverlay.
 75. An overlay for a lacrosse stick shaft comprising: (a) afemale end that receives the shaft, the female end having a firstcross-sectional area; (b) a butt end opposite to the female end, thebutt end having a second cross-sectional area greater than the firstcross-sectional area; (c) rounded protrusions between the female end andthe butt end, which increase cross-sectional area of the second overlayfrom the female end to the butt end; and (d) a back protrusion thatextends the butt end a farther distance radially away from the shaft andfurther increases the second cross-sectional area.
 76. The overlay ofclaim 75, wherein the lacrosse stick shaft has an axis and the butt endhas a face, and a plane that the face occupies is not perpendicular tothe axis.
 77. The overlay of claim 75, wherein the lacrosse stick shafthas an axis and the female end has a face, and a plane that the faceoccupies is not perpendicular to the axis.
 78. The overlay of claim 75,wherein the lacrosse stick shaft has an axis and the female end has aface, and a plane that the face occupies is substantially perpendicularto the axis.
 79. The overlay of claim 75, wherein the overlay furthercomprises an area having ribs and grooves.
 80. The overlay of claim 79,wherein the lacrosse stick shaft has an axis and the ribs and thegrooves are formed in an alignment selected from the group consisting ofsubstantially parallel to the axis, substantially perpendicular to theaxis, diagonal to the axis, random curved lines, and patterned curvedlines.
 81. A lacrosse stick comprising: (a) a head having a throatportion; (b) a shaft attached to the throat portion at a juncture,wherein the head is disposed radially outward of the shaft; and (e) anoverlay, wherein the overlay is applied to the lacrosse stick in an areaof the juncture.
 82. The lacrosse stick of claim 81, wherein the overlayis applied to the shaft.
 83. The lacrosse stick of claim 81, wherein theoverlay is applied to the throat portion.
 84. The lacrosse stick ofclaim 81, wherein the overlay is applied to the shaft and the throatportion.
 85. The lacrosse stick of claim 81, wherein an entire axiallength of the overlay is contained within the throat portion.
 86. Thelacrosse stick of claim 81, wherein a portion of the overlay is disposedwithin the throat portion.
 87. The lacrosse stick of claim 81, whereinthe overlay abuts the head at the juncture.
 88. The lacrosse stick ofclaim 81, wherein the overlay is axially spaced from the juncture. 89.The lacrosse stick of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of theoverlay is disposed within the throat portion, and wherein the at leastthe portion of the overlay that is disposed within the throat portion isdisposed radially between the throat portion and the shaft.
 90. Thelacrosse stick of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the overlay isdisposed within the throat portion, and wherein the at least the portionof the overlay that is disposed within the throat portion is disposedradially outward of the throat portion and is applied to the throatportion.